Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Lithotomy position
Pronunciation: lih-THOT-uh-mee
Patient positioning with hips flexed and legs elevated in stirrups, commonly used for gynecologic laparoscopy.
Full Definition
A surgical positioning technique where the patient lies supine with hips flexed at 80-90 degrees and legs elevated in stirrups or leg holders. This position provides optimal access to the pelvis for gynecologic laparoscopic procedures while allowing manipulation of the uterus through vaginal instruments. The position must be carefully monitored to prevent nerve compression and compartment syndrome during lengthy procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Often used with 'steep' or 'modified' as qualifiers.
In Context
- "The patient was positioned in lithotomy position for the laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure." — Operative report
- "Complications from prolonged lithotomy positioning include peroneal nerve palsy and compartment syndrome." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
dorsal lithotomy position
Contrasted with
supine position
prone position
Don't confuse with
Trendelenburg position